The five scholarships provide fully funded opportunities for part-time postgraduate study in international human rights law at the University of Oxford, starting September 2012. The course of study is taught over 22 months and consists of two residential sessions in Oxford and two periods of distance learning.
The scholarships are intended for human rights advocates from African Commonwealth countries (see
Appendix 1 for list of eligible countries) who would be unable, without assistance, to take up their place
on this course. Subject to satisfactory progress, the scholarships lead to the award of a Master of
Studies (MSt) in International Human Rights Law.
Each scholarship provides course and college fees at the University of Oxford over two years, a stipend
to cover living costs and return air travel from the scholar’s home country for each residential session.
Applicants must:
(i) display intellectual ability and leadership potential;
(ii) have an adequate standard of English, as defined and required by the University for studies at
which the awards are given (see http://humanrightslaw.conted.ox.ac.uk/MStIHRL/admissions/index.php);
(iii) be citizens of a developing African Commonwealth country (see Appendix 1 for eligible countries)
and resident/working in a developing African Commonwealth country when the award is taken up
and for its duration (this does not have to be the applicant’s home country).
and will normally:
(i) already hold a law degree to a high standard. The degree must be at a level at least equivalent to a
Bachelor’s degree in Law awarded in the UK. Applications from those with extensive human-rights
related experience, but without a law degree, will also be considered.
(ii) have work experience in a related field/s;
(iii) not already have received or be currently receiving financial benefit from a previous British
Government funded scholarship or a previous Commonwealth Commission funded scholarship.
A preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied outside of their home country.
